SALT LAKE CITY — The man set to become the next Mormon church president is a 93-year-old former heart surgeon whose conservative track record on the religion’s leadership panel has led Mormon scholars to predict he won’t make any major changes.

In the 80 years I have lived, 2017 stands out as one of three personal trauma periods. The others were World War II and the Kennedy through Nixon era. For that reason, I plan to spend much more time in the garden. Many lessons can be learned by having quiet time in a garden or forest.

From Malta to Minneapolis, here’s a look at some destinations around the world that will be making news in 2018. They include designated culture capitals, places hosting sporting events and even a couple of cities — San Antonio, Texas, and New Orleans — celebrating their 300th birthdays.

MENLO PARK, California — The coming union of the Disney and Fox media empires is set to create a new nirvana for fanboys and -girls, one that reunites superheroes and sci-fi characters long separated by an energy barrier of corporate legalism.